“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayer, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
It takes a conscious effort to avoid news reports about the 2024 United States presidential election. In addition to news about rallies, debates and national political party conventions, the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race added to the already ample attention given to politics in an election year.
This level of coverage makes sense. Given the size of our country, location on two oceans, economic resources, cultural influence and military, the U.S. is regarded as a superpower. The next U.S. administration will influence the outcome of many global challenges, including major conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, growing competition with China, and the surge of migrants from around the world along the U.S. southern border. The president and Congress will also give attention to an abundance of national issues, such as crime, abortion and in vitro fertilization, growing racial and ethnic diversity and the role of guns in society.
So, I understand why many Christians are earnestly praying about the election. These are important issues, and we pray that our leaders will make wise decisions, rule justly and pursue peace. I also urge us as citizens of God’s kingdom to expand our prayers beyond our own nation—especially since 2024 is not just an election year. It is perhaps the election year.
Globally, more voters than ever in history will head to the polls in 2024 as more than 60 countries worldwide (plus the European Union) are holding national elections. This represents a combined population of about 49 percent of the people in the world. Of the world’s 10 largest populous nations, eight are holding elections. Three of these nations—India, the United States and Indonesia—are the world’s largest democratic countries and account for more than 2 billion people, more than half of voting country’s combined population. Elsewhere in the world, over 30 percent of elections in 2024 are being held in undemocratic regimes—places where the contests aren’t fair or equal, where there is election fraud and where leaders at times stop opposition or arrest protestors.
The global Mennonite Brethren church is experiencing this “super” election year. Of the 20 countries that are home to International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) national conferences, 14 have had or will have elections in 2024. While it’s natural to pray for our U.S. elections and elected officials, I challenge us as citizens of God’s kingdom to pray for the many other elections taking place this year, recognizing that these presidential and legislative contests have implications for human rights, economies, international relations and prospects for peace in a volatile world.
Connie Faber joined the magazine staff in 1994 and assumed the duties of editor in 2004. She has won awards from the Evangelical Press Association for her writing and editing. Faber is the co-author of Family Matters: Discovering the Mennonite Brethren. She and her husband, David, have two daughters, one son, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law and three grandchildren. They are members of Ebenfeld MB Church in Hillsboro, Kansas.
